88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Centerville, Iowa serves as a base for exploring numerous campgrounds on Lake Rathbun, a popular recreational area for boating and fishing. Camping near Centerville ranges from RV sites with electric hookups to tent camping and cabins, with Army Corps of Engineers facilities such as Island View Campground, Buck Creek, Bridgeview, and Prairie Ridge among the top options. Most campgrounds offer electric hookups, picnic tables and fire rings, while accommodating tents, RVs, and at sites like Honey Creek State Park, cabin camping. Lake Rathbun forms the central feature around which most camping options are organized, with both lakefront and more secluded wooded sites available.
Camping season in the Centerville area generally runs from May through September, with several campgrounds operating on seasonal schedules. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Electric hookups are common, though full-hookup sites with sewer and water connections are limited. Honey Creek State Park offers year-round camping with showers and modern restrooms, while many Army Corps sites provide basic amenities with varying levels of shade. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal conditions, with hot summers and cold winters. As one visitor noted about Lake Rathbun, "Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading. Be careful driving around the park as I don't think there was a day we didn't see at least 8 deer wandering around the campsite or near roads."
Several campgrounds near Centerville receive positive reviews for their lake access and recreational opportunities. Campers highlight Rathbun Lake as a destination for boating, with multiple boat ramps available throughout the area's campgrounds. Prairie Ridge campground stands out for its wildflowers and lake views, while Island View offers more open camping spaces with good lake visibility. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering modern shower houses and others providing only basic vault toilets. A reviewer described the camping at Prairie Ridge: "The campsites are good. They have a fire pit, a place to hang food to keep away from raccoons, electricity, and a nice gravel pad for your vehicle or camper. What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers." For those seeking additional amenities, Honey Creek Resort near Rathbun Lake offers an alternative to traditional campgrounds with hotel accommodations, cabins, and an indoor waterpark.
"Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels"
"Very nice campground with lake to fish and boat on. Has beach access also."
from $22 - $230 / night
Check Availability"Honey Creek resort run by the state of Iowa (not to be confused with Honey Creek State Park nearby) is not your typical camping spot."
"Outside the hotel they have activities so that you can do such as corn hole, playing tic tac toe or jenga. There is a pretty nice boat dock which you can rent a boat or kayak/canoe."
from $40 - $49 / night
Check Availability"Honey Creek State Park is located on the north side of Rathbun Lake in southern Iowa. Boat ramp at the park is large (6 lanes) with several docks to assist loading and unloading."
"Campground Review: Honey Creek State Park is on Rathbun Lake, a very popular place to boat, fish and camp in Southern Iowa. We camped in the Group Campground with out Boy Scout Troop."
from $14 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Some campsites are close to the lake. Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery. "
"I have camped at lake wapello for 32 years in a row over my birthday in September it is the cleanest friendliest best wildlife great fishing wonderful campsites a place that I will always return to."
from $15 - $100 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $44 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $120 / night
Check Availability"It is located in Putnam/Schuyler Counties in northeast Missouri along the Chariton River and borders southern Iowa."
RangerIt’s a small gravel turnaround and not very level in the grasses but if you have a pick of the spots you’ll be able to settle. There is very little shade and we’re here in 95° but there is a slight breeze. Nice, quiet, secluded spot to spend a couple of days. But watch out for the ticks in the long grass
LegendBig beautiful camp ground right on the Des Moines River. All need to be reserved in advance at Recreation.gov
I selected my site based on its proximity to the river. Good choice, as I could watch the eagle and heron fish right from my site.
However the very busy bike/pedestrian path also runs right next to the site. So there’s no privacy. And the bridge that goes across the river is made of loose boards, so every time someone crosses there is a loud clanking sound.
Despite all of that, I did enjoy my experience here a very well kept campground. Big trees. Good enough cell reception for me to work. Electric hook ups, but no water.
ScoutThere are a couple small hiking trails, but they were very well maintained and an easy hike to get my daughter started in her backpack.
LegendWe loved the lake and boating opportunities here. It is very close to Truman State University making it great for college weekends off campus. Great campground.
TravelerBoating, Fishing, Swimming and Trails. Also considered one of the darkest places in the US for star gazing.
GuideNice sites, picnic tables are broken, looks like the firepits have been removed. Pit toilets are okay. Lots of geese, owls, beavers and coyote. Could do without the neighbor’s generators running all night.
GuideGreat little spot if you are heading through IA! Love to hear the peepers all singing in early spring!
ScoutI rent year round. Love this place. Quiet, fishing, dead end so little traffic. The owners are great people. Bring your boat, kayak, tube. You can float the river.
ScoutHomeless, Crack heads using the showers/bathrooms. Men and women can share the bathroom and shower together even when children are in the facilities.
Camping spots near Centerville, Iowa center around Lake Rathbun, with campgrounds spread across its 11,000 acres of water. The region typically experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F in July, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with less crowded facilities. Many campgrounds maintain seasonal operation schedules from May through September due to Iowa's cold winters.
Boating access options: Island View Campground features three separate boat ramps with multiple lanes for launching watercraft. "This is a great place to go if you like to boat. There are three different boat ramps in the park," notes Matt S., making it convenient for campers bringing boats.
Lake fishing opportunities: Fish for multiple species at Lake Wapello State Park, where the 289-acre lake offers productive fishing. Tim M. shares, "I have camped at lake wapello for 32 years in a row over my birthday in September it is the cleanest friendliest best wildlife great fishing wonderful campsites."
Hiking trails: Explore Lake Wapello's extensive trail system, including the Lakeshore Trail that circumnavigates the entire lake. "Several hiking paths-Lakeshore Trail goes around the whole lake, so be sure to reserve 2-3 hours to conquer this path-more if you like to take in the scenery," recommends Molly L.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for diverse wildlife while kayaking or hiking at Lake Wapello. According to visitor reports, you can spot "muskrat, beaver, swans, geese could be found on the water. Also seen: deer, bald eagles, frogs, toads, turtles."
Spacious campsites: Bridgeview Campground offers sites with good separation and lake views. Matthew W. found his stay pleasant, noting, "Had a nice Mother's Day weekend here. Host was extremely helpful and friendly."
Sunset views: Island View Campground has particularly good sunset viewing locations. "Spectacular lake views especially for sunset. Very quiet during the week," according to Heather M., who visited during late summer.
Modern amenities: Some campgrounds have updated facilities, like Lake Wapello State Park. Dorothy H. commented, "Facilities have just recently been updated. Great place to camp. Our kids love it."
Prairie landscape: Prairie Ridge offers a different camping experience with native prairie plants surrounding the camping area. Matt S. notes, "What stands out at this campground is the prairie grass and all of the wild flowers. It is a nice weekend getaway."
Seasonal closures: Most Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds near Centerville only operate from May through September. Buck Creek, Bridgeview, and Prairie Ridge all follow this seasonal schedule.
Site selection matters: Some loops have more attractive sites than others. At Honey Creek State Park, Sarah K. advises, "I would not recommend any spot in the center section of the loop. It was more like parking than camping."
Bathroom availability: Facility access varies considerably between campgrounds. Island View has "showers/restrooms/dump stations spread throughout the campground," according to Andrea H.
Wildlife caution: Campers should watch for wildlife when driving through campgrounds. Mitch C. notes, "Be careful driving around the park as I don't think there was a day we didn't see at least 8 deer wandering around the campsite or near roads."
Ticks present: Sarah K. warns, "The state park has some nice trails for hiking. Use bug spray because the ticks are bad."
Indoor waterpark option: Honey Creek Resort offers cabin rentals and an indoor waterpark that's perfect for rainy days. Willy W. explains, "The beach is just outside the hotel and has a huge water park which is a lot of fun to play on. They also have a really nice indoor water park with a slide."
Boat rentals: Lake Wapello offers rentals for families without their own watercraft. Dorothy H. shares, "Boat rentals were a blast and added bonus."
Playgrounds available: Several campgrounds include playground equipment for children. Matt S. mentions that Island View "has a nice play set for kids and there are baseball fields nearby."
Nature activities: Honey Creek Resort offers environmental education opportunities. Mia L. notes, "There is a nature program where you can check out backpacks for kids to explore nature."
Full hookup availability: Island View Campground offers spacious RV sites with good lake views. Steve W. reports, "Very nice corp park. Campsites were spaced well apart with plenty of room on pad around campsites, cell service was four bars and air tv 30 channels."
Pull-through sites: Several campgrounds offer pull-through sites for easier RV parking. Island View has multiple loops with options for different RV sizes.
Level pads: Prairie Ridge provides level gravel parking pads for RVs, making setup easier. According to Matt S., sites include "electricity, and a nice gravel pad for your vehicle or camper."
Cell coverage: For remote workers, Island View provides reliable service. Steve W. confirms "cell service was four bars" during his stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Centerville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Centerville, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 88 campgrounds and RV parks near Centerville, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Centerville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Centerville, IA is Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Centerville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Centerville, IA.
What parks are near Centerville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Centerville, IA that allow camping, notably Rathbun Lake and Lake Red Rock.
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